Posted by Matt G on July 25, 2000 at 15:35:47:
Being a former yamaha tuba owner (YFB-621s, YCB-822s) and a couple of bass trombones (the single trigger and the stacked double), I had fallen out of favor for the company. However, I recently played the BBb rotary YBB-641? at Osmun music next to a Alex BBb and a Mirafone 186 BBb. I would have to say was thoroughly impressed! The valve action was very smooth, the fit and finish was good, considering that the horn had been in service of a youth orchestra, and everything seemed in alignment, just like the yamaha's I had before. Remarkably though, the horn also had a great sound with good intonation! Knowing this, along with Matt Walter's putting in some good comments about his ex-tuba a YCB-861?, has restored my faith in the brand. In fact, I am looking into maybe trying a 861 as a 4/4 CC tuba for my arsenal.
Sorry for rambling, but it seems like almost a religious experience. I think that yamaha has long been slighted for making student instruments and evloving from those lines.
Just wondering if anyone else feels the same...
Matt G